EMU hires deputy athletic director

The Eastern Michigan University Athletic Department announced Monday the hiring of Christian Spears as the Deputy Director of Athletics.

According to a news release sent Monday afternoon, Spears brings with him 18 years of experience, including the last five in the same role at Northern Illinois University, as well as being the school’s sport administrator for the football program.

“With his strong leadership skills, intellectual abilities, solid experience in all facets of intercollegiate athletics administration and his passion for making a positive difference in the lives of student-athletes, Christian is the ideal person to add to our administrative team,” Director of Athletics Heather Lyke said. “I am honored to welcome Christian and his family to the Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics.”

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According to the release, Spears will join the athletic department’s Executive Leadership Team and be responsible for development, marketing, corporate partnership efforts, fan experience and media relations.

He will also assist with the administration of the football program and be responsible for football scheduling.

“What an amazing time to be at Eastern,” Spears said. “The team that Heather is putting together with the support of President Martin has the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the future of Intercollegiate Athletics at Eastern Michigan University. Eastern is uniquely positioned for tremendous growth and we will continue to develop new ideas and initiatives that honor the student-athlete experience while creating an environment that is engaging for our students, faculty, staff and the Southeastern Michigan community.”

The San Marino, Calif. native graduated from the University of Washington in 1996, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in political science. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Long Beach State University in 1998 and he received his Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law in 2002.